Titans ahead’ in lottery race

Thursday

Despite owning identical 3-11 records, opponents winning percentage is what separates the Titans (.490) and Browns (.520) for the top spot in next April’s NFL Draft.

Despite owning identical 3-11 records, opponents winning percentage is what separates the Titans (.490) and Browns (.520) for the top spot in next April’s NFL Draft.

Tennessee will be on the clock if both teams lose its remaining two games. There isn’t a universally accepted player to be chosen with the first pick. Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa, Ole Miss tackle Laremy Tunsil and even a quarterback could conceivably be taken first overall depending on who is making the selection.

The NFL Draft has become a nice appetizer before our main course in September when football returns. A mock version of said draft is meant to educate, and even entertain. At very least, it helps you pass the time.

What follows is an early attempt at figuring out the best players available in this season’s draft class, and which teams they’d match up well with. Draft order is courtesy of nfl.com.

Here’s an updated version of my 2016 NFL Mock Draft:

FIRST ROUND

1. Tennessee (3-11) — Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss, Jr.

The Titans have a glaring weakness at right tackle, which is a bad thing when you’ve finally found your franchise quarterback. Tunsil is talented enough to force former first round pick and current left tackle Taylor Lewan to fill the hole on the right side. He has the feet, quickness and agility to be a star right away. Top needs: DT, S, OT

2. Cleveland (3-11) — Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio St., Jr.

Do the Browns take best player available or best quarterback available? It looks like Johnny Manziel may have partied his way out of a starting job. I’m not sold on there being an "Andrew Luck" in this crop of prospects so it might be wise to pass on a signal caller this early. Bosa has the physical gifts and instincts to make an impact right away. Top needs: WR, DE, QB

3. Baltimore (4-10) — Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida St., Jr.

It’s rare for the Ravens to be drafting this early. GM Ozzie Newsome makes it count by finally finding his replacement for future Hall of Famer Ed Reed. Ramsey is a playmaker who can play either cornerback or safety at the next level. Top needs: OLB, WR, S

4. San Diego (4-10) — Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame, Jr.

Even if the Chargers offensive line were indestructible, which they are clearly not, an influx of talent wouldn’t hurt. Stanley could have easily been a Top 10 selection last draft. He steps in as the starting right tackle day one, and would eventually transition into Philip Rivers’ blindside protector. Top needs: OL, DL, WR

5. Dallas (4-10) — Jaylon Smith, OLB, Notre Dame, Jr.

The Cowboys defense has certainly improved this season, but a playmaker like Smith could elevate them even further. There’s also a real need considering the futures of Rolando McClain (free agent) and Sean Lee (injuries) are in doubt. The first team AP All-American is a special athlete for the position who is equally adept at dropping into coverage, against the run or rushing the passer. Top needs: LB, QB, DT

6. San Francisco (4-10) — Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis, Jr.

It’s likely the 49ers will move on from Colin Kaepernick after the season. Once again, I’m not really enamored with any of the QB prospects, but each of them has an elite quality and potential which could be developed at the next level. For Lynch, it is his NFL size, arm strength and surprising athleticism. Top needs: QB, RT, WR

7. Miami (5-9) — Myles Jack, OLB, UCLA, Jr.

The Dolphins currently have one linebacker who can play all three downs. According to Pro Football Focus, Jack was the top-graded linebacker in coverage in 2014 while playing the third-most snaps in the country with 1,109. As long as his rehab goes well, he will hear his name called in primetime during the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, much like Todd Gurley the year before. Top needs: OL, CB, LB

8. Jacksonville (5-9) — Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida, Jr.

Hargreaves is a pro-ready shutdown corner, and the best player at his position since Patrick Peterson in 2011. Top needs: CB, DL, OL

9. New Orleans (5-9) — Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss, Jr.

The Saints defense is simply awful. The nation’s top recruit in 2013 is only available because of recent off-the-field issues. He reminds me of a slightly less polished version of Leonard Williams, the Jets first round pick from a year ago. Top needs: WR, OL, pass rusher

10. Chicago (5-9) — DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon, Sr.

Like Bosa, Buckner can play the run and rush the passer. He finished the regular season with 11 sacks, 14 hits and 39 hurries on the quarterback. He’d form a formidable one-two punch on the defensive line with nose tackle Eddie Goldman. Top needs: pass rusher, CB, OG

11. Detroit (5-9) — A’Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama, Jr.

The Lions defensive line is still in rebuilding mode after last season’s free agent exodus. Robinson is capable of owning the line of scrimmage against the run. There’s room for growth as a pass rusher if he gets the opportunity at the next level. Top needs: OT, CB, DL

12. Tampa Bay (6-8) — Jonathan Bullard, DE, Florida, Sr.

Bullard is a classic two-gap run-stuffer with size, physicality and a blue-collar playing style that would fit Lovie Smith’s system perfectly. Top needs: OT, DE, DB

13. N.Y. Giants (6-8) — Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma St., Jr.

The Giants compete for championships when they feature a dominant pass rush. Ogbah scored 11 sacks as a sophomore because of his freakish athleticism. He has 13 this season even though he’s been a focus of opposing offenses’ blocking schemes. Top needs: SS, OL, pass rusher

14. Oakland (6-8) — Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson, So.

If Alexander has allowed a reception this season, I haven’t witnessed it. He talks like an elite NFL-ready cornerback too, already declaring himself the best at his position in the nation. Top needs: OL, S, CB

15. Philadelphia (6-8) — Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia, Jr.

Floyd could be this draft class’ best pure pass rusher and he certainly fits a need for the Eagles. Top needs: OL, pass rusher, DB

16. Buffalo (6-8) — Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama, Sr.

The Bills land an every down enforcer who is rarely out of position. Ragland is capable of transforming a defense with his leadership and fits a position of need. Top needs: QB, FS, LB

17. Indianapolis (6-8) — Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio St., Sr.

The Colts will go as far as Andrew Luck takes them, which won’t be very far if he’s constantly on his back. Despite his height — he’s 6-foot-7 — he moves quite well and plays with great balance in the run game. Top needs: OL, pass rusher, CB

18. St. Louis (6-8) — Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss, Jr.

The Rams aren’t finding a franchise QB is this draft class with this pick. Treadwell has recovered nicely from last season’s gruesome leg injury. His potential at the next level? Think a middle class Dez Bryant or Julio Jones. Top needs: WR, C, QB

19. Atlanta (7-7) — Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor, Jr.

The Falcons have become a one dimensional passing game with no one opposite Julio Jones who strikes fear in opposing defensive coordinators. Many consider Coleman the best deep threat in the nation. It’s hard to argue. Top needs: WR, OLB, ILB

20. N.Y. Jets (9-5) — Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio St., Jr.

There’s little doubt Elliott will be the first running back taken — assuming Leonard Fournette doesn’t sue the NFL. He brings big-play ability, is an effective receiver out of the backfield and has proven to be outstanding in pass protection. Top needs: OT, pass rusher, TE

21. Minnesota (9-5) — Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor, Jr.

The Vikings are close to fielding a dominant defense. They are only missing an anchor in the middle. Billings has already stated he would return to Baylor for his senior season. His mind could change if his stock continues to rise. Top needs: DE, OG, WR

22. Seattle (9-5) — Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan St., Jr.

The Seahawks offensive line has been mediocre at best the last few seasons. Conklin isn’t about flash. He simply doesn’t make mistakes. Top needs: OT, DL, WR

23. Kansas City (9-5) — Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio St., Jr.

Thomas has proven he can make plays across the middle while utilizing his deceptive speed. He’s a route technician and he’d compliment Jeremy Maclin perfectly. Top needs: OT, DE, WR

Washington is surrendering 130 yards per game on the ground, currently 28th in the NFL. Clark is the best run defender at the collegiate level. This is a perfect match. Top needs: QB, CB, LB

26. Houston (7-7) — Jared Goff, QB, California, Jr.

Bill O’Brien has somehow made it work without a franchise quarterback so far. Goff has his flaws, but he’s an effective downfield passer who has performed well under pressure, especially against the blitz. Top needs: QB, LB, RB

27. Green Bay (10-4) — Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama, Sr.

B.J. Raji isn’t getting any younger. Reed is the heart and soul of the Crimson Tide’s vaunted defensive line. He was a big part of the reason Leonard Fournette only managed 31 rushing yards against the Tide. Top needs: pass rusher, NT, SS

28. Denver (10-4) — Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama, Jr.

John Elway has already built a dominant defense. Couple that with a Henry-led power running game, and all of a sudden you have a vision of what the post-Peyton Manning world looks like. Top needs: RB, OL, DL

29. Cincinnati (11-3) — Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson, Jr.

Lawson’s performance against Notre Dame helped catapult him into the first-round discussion. The Lombardi Award finalist — given to the country’s top lineman or linebacker — made seven tackles, including 3.5 for a loss, mostly against potential top 5 pick Ronnie Stanley. Top needs: WR, C, DL

30. Arizona (12-2) — Jonathan Allen, DE, Alabama, Jr.

The Cardinals defensive line has aged and could use a youth movement. Allen recorded two sacks against Ole Miss and was impressive against Wisconsin. He has 34 tackles with 12.5 for a loss, 10 sacks, two forced fumbles and four passes batted in 2015. Top needs: DE, ILB, C

31. Carolina (14-0) — Josh Doctson, WR, TCU, Sr.

Paired with a healthy Kelvin Benjamin, Doctson’s ability to win down the field utilizing his special ball skills would give the Panthers one of the most dynamic receiving duos in the NFL. Top needs: OT, WR, S

NOTE: New England was stripped of a first round pick in the 2016 draft for the team’s role in the deflated footballs scandal.

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